Key Votes

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Vote Smart provides easy access to congressional and state voting records and maintains a collection of key votes grouped by issue. Vote Smart uses the following criteria to select key votes:

  1. The vote should be helpful in portraying how a member stands on a particular issue
  2. The vote should be clear for any person to understand
  3. The vote has received media attention
  4. The vote was passed or defeated by a very close margin
  5. Occasionally, if a specific bill is consistently inquired about on the Voter's Research Hotline, the vote will be added

Vote Smart provides a summary of the version of the bill text associated with each selected key vote. Our summaries are written by Vote Smart's staff and interns, who adhere to our strict policies and procedures in order to guarantee absolute impartiality and accuracy. They do not necessarily reflect the content of the final version of the bill, but rather the version voted on in that stage. While many procedural votes take place before a full chamber vote, our voting stages reflect the final reading of each chamber vote. Each key vote selection is reviewed by the project's community of advisors, who are political scientists and journalists from all fifty states.

For more information about the legislative process, see here.


results per page:
Date State Bill No. Title Outcome
Dec. 11, 2013 MI Initiation of Legislation Requires Abortion Coverage To Be Optional In Health Care Plans Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 11)
Dec. 11, 2013 MI Initiation of Legislation Requires Abortion Coverage To Be Optional In Health Care Plans Bill Passed - House (62 - 47)
Aug. 30, 2013 CA AB 154 Authorizes Certain Individuals to Perform Aspiration Abortion Procedures Concurrence Vote Passed - House (49 - 25)
Aug. 26, 2013 CA AB 154 Authorizes Certain Individuals to Perform Aspiration Abortion Procedures Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
July 25, 2013 NC SB 353 Authorizes Regulations for Abortion Services Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 13)
July 12, 2013 TX HB 2 Increases Abortion Facility Requirements and Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 11)
July 11, 2013 NC SB 353 Authorizes Regulations for Abortion Services Bill Passed - House (74 - 41)
July 10, 2013 TX HB 2 Increases Abortion Facility Requirements and Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Bill Passed - House (96 - 49)
July 3, 2013 NC HB 695 Amends Abortion Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 12)
July 2, 2013 NC SB 132 Requires Certain Reproductive Health and Safety Education for Schools Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 12)
June 27, 2013 NC SB 132 Requires Certain Reproductive Health and Safety Education for Schools Bill Passed - House (69 - 42)
June 24, 2013 TX SB 5 Increases Abortion Facility Requirements and Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Bill Passed - House (95 - 34)
June 18, 2013 National HR 1797 Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act Bill Passed - House (228 - 196)
June 18, 2013 TX SB 5 Increases Abortion Facility Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
June 13, 2013 WI SB 206 Requires an Ultrasound Prior to an Abortion Bill Passed - House (56 - 39)
June 13, 2013 WI AB 216 Prohibits State Health Insurance Plan from Covering Abortions Bill Passed - House (58 - 39)
June 13, 2013 WI AB 217 Prohibits Sex-Selective Abortions Bill Passed - House (58 - 39)
June 12, 2013 WI SB 206 Requires an Ultrasound Prior to an Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 15)
May 28, 2013 CA AB 154 Authorizes Certain Individuals to Perform Aspiration Abortion Procedures Bill Passed - House (50 - 25)
May 23, 2013 IA SF 446 2013-2014 Health and Human Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (80 - 17)
May 22, 2013 IA SF 446 2013-2014 Health and Human Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 24)
May 13, 2013 MO HB 400 Establishes Requirements for the Administration of Abortion-Inducing Drugs Concurrence Vote Passed - House (115 - 39)
May 7, 2013 MO HB 400 Establishes Requirements for the Administration of Abortion-Inducing Drugs Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
May 7, 2013 NC HB 716 Prohibits Sex-Selective Abortions Bill Passed - House (79 - 40)
May 1, 2013 IA SF 446 2013-2014 Health and Human Services Budget Bill Passed - House (52 - 46)
April 23, 2013 PA HB 818 Prohibits Abortion Coverage in Health Insurance Exchanges Bill Passed - House (144 - 53)
April 18, 2013 MO HB 400 Establishes Requirements for the Administration of Abortion-Inducing Drugs Bill Passed - House (115 - 39)
April 16, 2013 OK HB 2015 Expands Information Collected from Abortion Patients Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 7)
April 11, 2013 IN SB 371 Requires an Ultrasound Prior to the Prescription of an Abortion-Inducing Drug Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (35 - 14)
April 9, 2013 AK SB 49 Prohibits the Use of Medicaid Funds for Abortions Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 6)
April 5, 2013 KS HB 2253 Amends Abortion Clinic Tax Credits and Procedure Requirements Conference Report Adopted - House (90 - 30)
April 5, 2013 KS HB 2253 Amends Abortion Clinic Tax Credits and Procedure Requirements Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 10)
April 2, 2013 AL HB 57 Establishes Requirements for Medical Care at Abortion Clinics Concurrence Vote Passed - House (68 - 21)
April 2, 2013 AL HB 57 Establishes Requirements for Medical Care at Abortion Clinics Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
April 2, 2013 IN SB 371 Requires an Ultrasound Prior to the Prescription of an Abortion-Inducing Drug Bill Passed - House (70 - 26)
March 15, 2013 ND HB 1305 Prohibits Sex and Genetic Selective Abortions Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 15)
March 15, 2013 ND HB 1456 Prohibits Abortions if Fetal Heartbeat is Detected Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 17)
March 12, 2013 UT SB 60 Requires the State Department of Health to Prepare Annual Report on Abortions Bill Passed - House (56 - 17)
March 12, 2013 OK HB 1361 Requires Parental Consent Prior to an Abortion for a Minor Bill Passed - House (81 - 13)
March 12, 2013 OK HB 1588 Requires Parental Approval Before an Abortion is Performed on a Minor Bill Passed - House (80 - 12)
March 12, 2013 OK HB 2015 Expands Information Collected from Abortion Patients Bill Passed - House (79 - 15)
March 7, 2013 MN HF 5 Establishes the Minnesota Health Insurance Exchange Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 28)
March 6, 2013 AR SB 134 Prohibits Abortion if Fetal Heartbeat Detected Veto Override Passed - House (56 - 33)
March 5, 2013 AR SB 134 Prohibits Abortion if Fetal Heartbeat Detected Veto Override Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
March 4, 2013 MN HF 5 Establishes the Minnesota Health Insurance Exchange Bill Passed - House (72 - 58)
Feb. 28, 2013 AR HB 1037 Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Veto Override Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
Feb. 28, 2013 AR SB 134 Prohibits an Abortion if a Fetal Heartbeat is Detected Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
Feb. 28, 2013 SD HB 1237 Prohibits Weekends and Holidays from Being Considered Part of the 72-Hour Waiting Period Prior to an Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
Feb. 28, 2013 KS SB 142 Prohibits Civil Action Lawsuits Concerning Abortion Consultation Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 5)
Feb. 27, 2013 AR HB 1037 Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Veto Override Passed - House (53 - 28)
Feb. 27, 2013 MT HB 391 Requires Parental Consent Prior to an Abortion for a Minor Bill Passed - House (57 - 41)
Feb. 26, 2013 IN SB 371 Requires an Ultrasound Prior to the Prescription of an Abortion-Inducing Drug Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
Feb. 22, 2013 WA HB 1044 Requires Health Insurance Plans to Cover Abortions Bill Passed - House (53 - 43)
Feb. 21, 2013 AR HB 1037 Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Concurrence Vote Passed - House (80 - 10)
Feb. 21, 2013 AR SB 134 Prohibits an Abortion if a Fetal Heartbeat is Detected Bill Passed - House (68 - 20)
Feb. 20, 2013 UT SB 60 Requires the State Department of Health to Prepare Annual Report on Abortions Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 5)
Feb. 20, 2013 SD HB 1237 Prohibits Weekends and Holidays from Being Considered Part of the 72-Hour Waiting Period Prior to an Abortion Bill Passed - House (56 - 13)
Feb. 19, 2013 AL HB 57 Establishes Requirements for Medical Care at Abortion Clinics Bill Passed - House (73 - 23)
Feb. 18, 2013 AR HB 1037 Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 7)
Feb. 18, 2013 ND SB 2303 Defines a "Human Being" Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 23)
Feb. 18, 2013 ND SB 2368 Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 17)
Feb. 14, 2013 MS SB 2795 Requires Physicians to Administer Abortion Prescriptions Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 12)
Feb. 8, 2013 KY SB 5 Requires an Ultrasound Prior to an Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 4)
Feb. 8, 2013 ND HB 1305 Prohibits Sex and Genetic Selective Abortions Bill Passed - House (64 - 27)
Feb. 8, 2013 ND HB 1456 Prohibits Abortions if Fetal Heartbeat is Detected Bill Passed - House (63 - 28)
Feb. 7, 2013 ND SB 2305 Requires Physicians Performing Abortions to Have a State License Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 17)
Feb. 4, 2013 AR HB 1100 Prohibits Abortion Coverage on the State Health Insurance Exchange Bill Passed - House (77 - 15)
Feb. 4, 2013 AR HB 1037 Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Bill Passed - House (75 - 20)
Jan. 31, 2013 AR SB 134 Prohibits an Abortion if a Fetal Heartbeat is Detected Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
Date No. Title Outcome
12/11 Initiation of Legislation Requires Abortion Coverage To Be Optional In Health Care Plans Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 11)
12/11 Initiation of Legislation Requires Abortion Coverage To Be Optional In Health Care Plans Bill Passed - House (62 - 47)
8/30 AB 154 Authorizes Certain Individuals to Perform Aspiration Abortion Procedures Concurrence Vote Passed - House (49 - 25)
8/26 AB 154 Authorizes Certain Individuals to Perform Aspiration Abortion Procedures Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 11)
7/25 SB 353 Authorizes Regulations for Abortion Services Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 13)
7/12 HB 2 Increases Abortion Facility Requirements and Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Bill Passed - Senate (19 - 11)
7/11 SB 353 Authorizes Regulations for Abortion Services Bill Passed - House (74 - 41)
7/10 HB 2 Increases Abortion Facility Requirements and Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Bill Passed - House (96 - 49)
7/03 HB 695 Amends Abortion Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (29 - 12)
7/02 SB 132 Requires Certain Reproductive Health and Safety Education for Schools Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (32 - 12)
6/27 SB 132 Requires Certain Reproductive Health and Safety Education for Schools Bill Passed - House (69 - 42)
6/24 SB 5 Increases Abortion Facility Requirements and Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Bill Passed - House (95 - 34)
6/18 HR 1797 Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act Bill Passed - House (228 - 196)
6/18 SB 5 Increases Abortion Facility Requirements Bill Passed - Senate (20 - 10)
6/13 SB 206 Requires an Ultrasound Prior to an Abortion Bill Passed - House (56 - 39)
6/13 AB 216 Prohibits State Health Insurance Plan from Covering Abortions Bill Passed - House (58 - 39)
6/13 AB 217 Prohibits Sex-Selective Abortions Bill Passed - House (58 - 39)
6/12 SB 206 Requires an Ultrasound Prior to an Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (17 - 15)
5/28 AB 154 Authorizes Certain Individuals to Perform Aspiration Abortion Procedures Bill Passed - House (50 - 25)
5/23 SF 446 2013-2014 Health and Human Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - House (80 - 17)
5/22 SF 446 2013-2014 Health and Human Services Budget Conference Report Adopted - Senate (26 - 24)
5/13 HB 400 Establishes Requirements for the Administration of Abortion-Inducing Drugs Concurrence Vote Passed - House (115 - 39)
5/07 HB 400 Establishes Requirements for the Administration of Abortion-Inducing Drugs Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 7)
5/07 HB 716 Prohibits Sex-Selective Abortions Bill Passed - House (79 - 40)
5/01 SF 446 2013-2014 Health and Human Services Budget Bill Passed - House (52 - 46)
4/23 HB 818 Prohibits Abortion Coverage in Health Insurance Exchanges Bill Passed - House (144 - 53)
4/18 HB 400 Establishes Requirements for the Administration of Abortion-Inducing Drugs Bill Passed - House (115 - 39)
4/16 HB 2015 Expands Information Collected from Abortion Patients Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 7)
4/11 SB 371 Requires an Ultrasound Prior to the Prescription of an Abortion-Inducing Drug Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (35 - 14)
4/09 SB 49 Prohibits the Use of Medicaid Funds for Abortions Bill Passed - Senate (14 - 6)
4/05 HB 2253 Amends Abortion Clinic Tax Credits and Procedure Requirements Conference Report Adopted - House (90 - 30)
4/05 HB 2253 Amends Abortion Clinic Tax Credits and Procedure Requirements Conference Report Adopted - Senate (28 - 10)
4/02 HB 57 Establishes Requirements for Medical Care at Abortion Clinics Concurrence Vote Passed - House (68 - 21)
4/02 HB 57 Establishes Requirements for Medical Care at Abortion Clinics Bill Passed - Senate (22 - 10)
4/02 SB 371 Requires an Ultrasound Prior to the Prescription of an Abortion-Inducing Drug Bill Passed - House (70 - 26)
3/15 HB 1305 Prohibits Sex and Genetic Selective Abortions Bill Passed - Senate (27 - 15)
3/15 HB 1456 Prohibits Abortions if Fetal Heartbeat is Detected Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 17)
3/12 SB 60 Requires the State Department of Health to Prepare Annual Report on Abortions Bill Passed - House (56 - 17)
3/12 HB 1361 Requires Parental Consent Prior to an Abortion for a Minor Bill Passed - House (81 - 13)
3/12 HB 1588 Requires Parental Approval Before an Abortion is Performed on a Minor Bill Passed - House (80 - 12)
3/12 HB 2015 Expands Information Collected from Abortion Patients Bill Passed - House (79 - 15)
3/07 HF 5 Establishes the Minnesota Health Insurance Exchange Bill Passed - Senate (37 - 28)
3/06 SB 134 Prohibits Abortion if Fetal Heartbeat Detected Veto Override Passed - House (56 - 33)
3/05 SB 134 Prohibits Abortion if Fetal Heartbeat Detected Veto Override Passed - Senate (20 - 14)
3/04 HF 5 Establishes the Minnesota Health Insurance Exchange Bill Passed - House (72 - 58)
2/28 HB 1037 Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Veto Override Passed - Senate (19 - 14)
2/28 SB 134 Prohibits an Abortion if a Fetal Heartbeat is Detected Concurrence Vote Passed - Senate (26 - 8)
2/28 HB 1237 Prohibits Weekends and Holidays from Being Considered Part of the 72-Hour Waiting Period Prior to an Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 9)
2/28 SB 142 Prohibits Civil Action Lawsuits Concerning Abortion Consultation Bill Passed - Senate (34 - 5)
2/27 HB 1037 Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Veto Override Passed - House (53 - 28)
2/27 HB 391 Requires Parental Consent Prior to an Abortion for a Minor Bill Passed - House (57 - 41)
2/26 SB 371 Requires an Ultrasound Prior to the Prescription of an Abortion-Inducing Drug Bill Passed - Senate (33 - 16)
2/22 HB 1044 Requires Health Insurance Plans to Cover Abortions Bill Passed - House (53 - 43)
2/21 HB 1037 Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Concurrence Vote Passed - House (80 - 10)
2/21 SB 134 Prohibits an Abortion if a Fetal Heartbeat is Detected Bill Passed - House (68 - 20)
2/20 SB 60 Requires the State Department of Health to Prepare Annual Report on Abortions Bill Passed - Senate (23 - 5)
2/20 HB 1237 Prohibits Weekends and Holidays from Being Considered Part of the 72-Hour Waiting Period Prior to an Abortion Bill Passed - House (56 - 13)
2/19 HB 57 Establishes Requirements for Medical Care at Abortion Clinics Bill Passed - House (73 - 23)
2/18 HB 1037 Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Bill Passed - Senate (25 - 7)
2/18 SB 2303 Defines a "Human Being" Bill Passed - Senate (24 - 23)
2/18 SB 2368 Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 17)
2/14 SB 2795 Requires Physicians to Administer Abortion Prescriptions Bill Passed - Senate (39 - 12)
2/08 SB 5 Requires an Ultrasound Prior to an Abortion Bill Passed - Senate (31 - 4)
2/08 HB 1305 Prohibits Sex and Genetic Selective Abortions Bill Passed - House (64 - 27)
2/08 HB 1456 Prohibits Abortions if Fetal Heartbeat is Detected Bill Passed - House (63 - 28)
2/07 SB 2305 Requires Physicians Performing Abortions to Have a State License Bill Passed - Senate (30 - 17)
2/04 HB 1100 Prohibits Abortion Coverage on the State Health Insurance Exchange Bill Passed - House (77 - 15)
2/04 HB 1037 Prohibits Abortions After 20 Weeks Bill Passed - House (75 - 20)
1/31 SB 134 Prohibits an Abortion if a Fetal Heartbeat is Detected Bill Passed - Senate (26 - 8)

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